Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel 2005 - The color showed a slight brick at the rim but the core was still pretty dark. There were some traces of Beaucastel’s signature barnyard scent but this was rather subdued so earthy would be a more apt description. Coffee, cocoa powder and ripe berries show right away but extended airing brings out some roast meat as well. Well balanced, with some fresh acidity. This still has some firm tannins so I would think a little more aging might be in order. Some limited upside potential might warrant another two years of aging. Still, an excellent wine.

Dunn Howell Mountain 2006 - Very dark and youthful. Chocolate on the nose and chocolate as well on the palate. Sweet and rich, this is still a baby as it’s all about the fruit without any of the characteristics of age. Showing very well but needs a lot of time to make it more interesting. Still, can be enjoyed now, preferably with a grilled steak.

Chateau Corbin St. Emilion Grand Cru Classe 2010 - Extremely dark and tight. The wine requires hours in the decanter before it’s ready. There was a pronounced oakiness and an atypical caramel sweetness to the wine; both of which do not find favor with me. It was also exceedingly tannic. A check with the label showed 15% alcohol which you would expect for a Barossa Shiraz or California cult wine but definitely not Bordeaux. If this were served to me blind I probably would have guessed California. To be honest, I did not enjoy it.